Summary

The questionable activities of police have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. In this engaging anthology, police officers and commentators discuss police ethics and integrity, what factors contribute to police corruption, and whether corruption is rampant in the ranks.

Summary

The questionable activities of police have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. In this engaging anthology, police officers and commentators discuss police ethics and integrity, what factors contribute to police corruption, and whether corruption is rampant in the ranks.

Booklist Review

Gr. 6^-12. This At Issue volume goes far beyond the simple "Yes, they're corrupt" / "No, they're really not so bad" arguments to examine how the nature of the police profession can breed corruption and deceit. Beginning with an overview that explores morality and integrity from as far back as ancient Greece, the book progresses into deeper, more complex arguments than the long held "one bad apple" theory. Without directly implying that corruption abounds, the essayists provide strong arguments about how new recruits are initiated into a profession that has its own version of the law. The authors suggest that even the most honorable peace officers are unavoidably forced into adhering to a code of silence concerning wrongdoing. While offering no easy solutions to the problem, the book does examine some possible starting points for unveiling the corruption, for holding police accountable to the same (or even stronger) ethical codes as those of most other professions, and for reviving faith in a system that, according to some articles, is frighteningly out of control. Disturbing stuff, bound to spark discussion. --Roger Leslie

Booklist Review

Gr. 6^-12. This At Issue volume goes far beyond the simple "Yes, they're corrupt" / "No, they're really not so bad" arguments to examine how the nature of the police profession can breed corruption and deceit. Beginning with an overview that explores morality and integrity from as far back as ancient Greece, the book progresses into deeper, more complex arguments than the long held "one bad apple" theory. Without directly implying that corruption abounds, the essayists provide strong arguments about how new recruits are initiated into a profession that has its own version of the law. The authors suggest that even the most honorable peace officers are unavoidably forced into adhering to a code of silence concerning wrongdoing. While offering no easy solutions to the problem, the book does examine some possible starting points for unveiling the corruption, for holding police accountable to the same (or even stronger) ethical codes as those of most other professions, and for reviving faith in a system that, according to some articles, is frighteningly out of control. Disturbing stuff, bound to spark discussion. --Roger Leslie